Whiskey bar in Gangseo, Seoul with tailored pours: The Malt Magok

I went to The Malt Magok for a proper glass of whiskey in Magok. 💌

There were so many kinds of whiskey that I initially wondered what I should choose.

This is a place where getting the owner's recommendation is part of the fun.

Whiskey recommendations that start with your preferences

Rather than simply recommending popular whiskeys, the owner asked about my preferences first. He also explained each drink's character in detail to suit the style I wanted. I think that makes it an easy place to visit even if you do not know much about whiskey. (The price range is a real plus too, just saying...)

New arrivals are updated often, so keep that in mind before visiting☺️ There is a wide selection of cocktails as well as whiskey.

The menu and four whiskeys I tried

Let me introduce the four whiskeys I tried.

Clynelish 14

The first was Clynelish 14. It is a Highland single malt whiskey known for its clean style. I could also pick up a subtle waxy character and a slight salty note. If you prefer a clean, dry style over heavy, sweet whiskey, this would likely suit you. It was nice with food or sipped slowly while taking in the aroma.

Baker's 107

The second was Baker's 107. This whiskey has the sweet, rich flavor typical of bourbon. At 107 proof, it is also fairly high in alcohol. There was vanilla and caramel sweetness, along with nutty and oaky notes. It felt full-bodied overall, so I would recommend it if you enjoy rich bourbon. I am a bourbon person, so I personally loved it❤️ While Clynelish 14 is comparatively clean, Baker's 107 is much richer and sweeter.

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye

The third was Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye. As you would expect from a rye whiskey, it is a little drier and spicier than bourbon. It had a peppery kick and oak flavor, with something like orange peel too. It definitely has a different mood from sweet whiskey. I think comparing it with Baker's 107 would make the difference between them even more fun. Baker's is closer to sweet and full-bodied, while rye is closer to spicy and dry.

The GlenDronach Ode to the Dark

Lastly, there was The GlenDronach Ode to the Dark. It is a style worth considering if you like sherry-cask whiskeys. I had tried the 12-year-old before, but Ode to the Dark suited my palate much better.

It had sweetness like dried fruit and raisins, plus rich chocolate- and mocha-like notes. Of the four, it made the deepest and richest impression. I also like rich, sweet sherry styles, so I really enjoyed drinking it.

Which one should you choose by taste?

• Clean and dry whiskey → Clynelish 14
• Sweet, full-bodied bourbon → Baker's 107
• Spicy, dry rye → Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye
• Sherry and dark flavors → The GlenDronach Ode to the Dark

Thinking of them this way should make the choice much easier.

It is not a whiskey-only place

The Malt Magok is a whiskey bar, but it also had a broad cocktail selection. There were options ranging from rum cocktails to tequila cocktails.

That day, I ordered an Aperol Coconut Margarita. It is a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, coconut liqueur, and Aperol. Coconut flavor softened the bright, refreshing character typical of a margarita. I liked that you can choose a cocktail even when you come with someone who is not much of a whiskey drinker.

Why the owner's recommendations stood out

One of the biggest reasons I want to recommend The Malt Magok is the owner. With so many kinds of whiskey, it is hard to choose just by looking at the menu if you do not know much about them. But when you tell the owner your preferences, he recommends drinks to match. It did not feel like he was automatically recommending only famous or expensive bottles. I liked that he asks what aromas you enjoy and whether you prefer sweet or dry styles, then recommends accordingly.

Above all, he explains whiskey in such a natural way. It feels knowledgeable, but I also liked that the explanations were never difficult.

So I thought people who know their drinks would have fun getting recommendations for new whiskeys, while first-time whiskey drinkers could visit without feeling intimidated. It also seemed to have lots of regulars.

Seeing the relaxed atmosphere as people chatted with the owner, I could see why it has so many regulars. He seemed very knowledgeable about drinks, and I was impressed by how he got a feel for each guest's preferences before making a recommendation. Personally, that is why it stayed with me more than a place where you simply drink. Especially if you do not know which whiskey to have, tell the owner what you like and ask for a recommendation. 🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️ I am planning to visit again next time❤️ If you are looking for a whiskey bar in Magok, I highly, highly recommend The Malt Magok.